James H. Vernon principal Jessica Bader resigns

Jessica Bader, who began her career at the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District as its director of humanities last year and in September, began her role as principal of James H. Vernon School, resigned, which was accepted unanimously by the district’s Board of Education at its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday. Martin Nelson will serve as the interim principal.

The reason for Bader’s departure remains unclear, prompting at least one parent to question why at the school board meeting. Stating she was an educator for over 20 years, Erin Nastri said she was aware of the hiring process at schools and placed the blame for appointing Bader on Francesco Ianni, the district’s superintendent and to a lesser degree, the board.

“It’s the responsibility of the superintendent and Board of Education to make sure that information is accurate before they are hired,” Nastri said. “I want to know if there was a gap on the resume for years not accounted for.”

Many parents were angry and frustrated that the school district would not share why Bader was “away from the building,” as Ianni wrote in a letter emailed to them on Sept. 28. They were unsure if she had been fired, took a leave of absence or was placed on administrative leave.

There had been much speculation and rumors on social media after Bader abruptly left. Some parents worried their children may not have been safe when she was principal.

Bader’s resignation, Ianni said, had nothing to do with Vernon students or the staff. He added matters of personnel could not be discussed in public because it would infringe on the privacy and due process of the individual. Even at school board meetings, whenever there is an issue involving the district’s personnel it is not discussed publicly, but instead, in executive session, he reasoned. As for how Bader was hired, Ianni said he used the method the district always employs.

“We followed the comprehensive hiring process using the online job platform OLAS,” he said. “They have to answer many questions for a posted position. The district relies on applications to be truthful.”

OLAS, an online search platform for candidates seeking jobs in education, is a popular hiring site among school districts.

Applicants for administrative positions at OBEN go on several interviews, Ianni added, including with members of the school board, who are given the resumes the day a candidate is interviewed.

“In the event additional information is provided to the school district it’s my responsibility to report it to the Board of Education,” said Ianni, alluding as to why Bader may have been told to leave.

Nastri complained that she had asked for policy and transparency when she reached out to Ianni during the summer but received information on test scores and graduation rates instead. Some parents reacted negatively, even shouting, when Ianni attempted to explain his reasons for providing the information.

When reached by phone on Wednesday, he said it was his intention to share how well students were doing with Nastri. “In July I told her our four-year college acceptance rate went from 83 to 88 percent, applications for college went from 82 to 92 percent and students achieving AP credits with a score of three or higher from 62 to 71 percent,” he said. “Everyone in my administration are doing a great job. Why not focus on that?”

Nastri also asked why administrators often leave their positions. Ianni said on Wednesday he couldn’t speculate why people leave and what direction they are taking in their careers.

“She painted a picture that it is a troubling turnover,” he said. “It’s part of life for teachers and administrators to move up. The turnover is for the benefit of the students. Principals are promoted to director positions, teachers to supervisor positions. Many who leave, leave to seek higher positions. Some supervisors leave to be principals.”

Kevin McKenna, a Syosset resident, accused Ianni of “hiding behind” the district’s public relations firm, Syntax. McKenna said when he called to speak to Ianni he was told to call Syntax who in turn told him to call the district because they did not have answers regarding personnel matters.

“I don’t understand what you’re paying (Syntax) for,” McKenna said. “You could have saved a lot of aggravation and controversy within the community if you at least heard what I wanted to talk to you about.”

Ianni told the Herald the district hired Syntax to perform multiple initiatives, including press releases, managing the calendar and updating the website and social media. “If I gave those jobs to individuals, it would cost more than what I pay for a PR firm,” he said.

He took Bader’s departure seriously, he said, and was committed to the students. When Anastasia Smith, the school’s assistant principal, was chosen to serve as acting principal for two weeks, Ianni moved his office to Vernon to work with her. Then at night he would go back to his office in the administration building to complete his other responsibilities.

Martin Nelson, he said, is no stranger to Vernon students. He had been the acting principal when Valerie Vacchio, Vernon’s former principal, was away last year. Additionally, two years ago Nelson was the acting assistant director for special services for the district.

“He knew the students, and when I introduced him to our students, they were quite excited to hear his name,” Ianni said.